Ellie Newman Memorial Moot Court Competition

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The School of Law hosted its 49^th annual Ellie Newman Memorial Moot Court competition on 23 November 2021. The competition aims to familiarise LLB students with various aspects of litigation and courtroom procedure. Finalists Mr Khanya Thwala, Ms Londeka Magudulela, Ms Sanele Chiliza and Mr Macalen Chetty displayed their legal prowess before Honourable Judge Mokgere Masipa of the KwaZulu-Natal Division of the High Court, Advocate Barry Skinner SC, Chairperson of the Society of Advocates of KwaZulu-Natal, and retired UKZN Law academic Professor Karthy Govender.

In announcing Chiliza as the winner, the judges complimented the finalists for delivering their arguments confidently and comprehensively.

‘The topics involved crucial areas of our law and all of you prepared well. Your heads of arguments were researched and written properly. Your oral submissions were well prepared and well presented. However, we agreed that the one candidate’s oral submissions were very well articulated, making her today’s winner,’ said Justice Masipa.

Dean and Head of the School of Law Professor Managay Reddi said that the moot programme is regarded by the School as an essential component of a well-rounded legal education and is an important stepping stone for entry into the legal profession.

‘I’m delighted to share with you that our presiding judge tonight, Judge Masipa is a graduate of our School. Also remarkable is that judges Skinner and Govender are not only graduates of this Law school but both are past winners of the moot finals. The training that our students receive from participating in our moot programme and their exposure to arguing real cases before high court and other judges have proven invaluable in developing them into top class lawyers. Based on the track record of their predecessors, I am confident that today’s finalists will enjoy great success in their law careers whilst making a significant contribution to the legal profession in South Africa.’

View the 49th Ellie Newman Memorial Moot Court Competition at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eEu_C_iagJ8.

Words: Thandiwe Jumo

Photograph: Supplied